Thurman Doyle "Sonny" Vaughn
Jan 10, 1935 - Dec 16, 2013
Submitted by: Ann Weber
 

Thurman D. (Sonny) Vaughn passed away Monday, 12-16-2013 from heart problems at the home of his daughter and son-in-law near Ville Platte, Louisiana. Sonny Vaughn was born January 10, 1935, was a 'Dust-Bowl-Baby' who carried that grit with him throughout his entire life, sharing it with all who knew him. He was an avid Horseman, accomplished Farrier, Rancher, and all-around Cowboy. His accomplishments in each area of his life brought interviews, recognition and awards of the highest levels, but his love and appreciation of the sport of Quarter Horse Racing encouraged him to breed and raise Hall of Famer, Refrigerator. He was instrumental in instituting the Oklahoma Bred program, and championed the "Poor Boy Futurity" and short distance horse racing. Sonny shared his knowledge and enthusiasm while mentoring many young cowboys in the sports of steer wrestling and bare-back bronc riding at an arena on his little ranch near Wayne. In his later years, he greatly appreciated the assistance and impact of his many friends in the Quarter Horse World, family, neighbors and church members who made continuing his independent way of life a reality. "I Did It My Way" is what he always said should be on his headstone, but those that knew him, knew of his strong faith in God. Sonny was a good man who touched many lives. He will be missed by all who knew him!

He is proceeded in death by: His son, Richard, and daughter, Kimberly; His parents, Arie Orville and Ella Mae (Kees) Vaughn, Two brothers, Edmond and Raymond Vaughn and Two Sisters, Jeannie (O.G.) Mayo, California, and Dorothy (Dallas) Smith of Shawnee, Oklahoma.

He is survived by: His daughter, Toni D'Ann Aguillard (Dwain) of Ville Platte, La. Granddaughter, Brandi Lyon-Sakai, FS USN, Iwokuni, Japan, her husband, Dan, and their two sons, Mason and Hayden Sakai; Granddaughter, Lindsay Lyon, Manhattan, NYC, and grandson Garrett Lyon, Lake Charles, Louisiana, his wife, Holly and their son, Grandson, Michael Lyon; A sister, Patsy Brennan (Claude) of Purcell, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services are scheduled for this Friday's visitation, Funeral services Saturday at 10 a.m., Wilson Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell. Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery.